The wood products, cut in various sizes, were loaded along with a stockpile of limestone, Ruizo said
Ruizo said that Barangay Luayon chairman Rable Ramirez was on board the truck when it was intercepted along the highway by authorities.
During the investigation, Ramirez admitted to authorities he knew the cutting of trees in his village, Ruizo said.
“It was sad that the chairman himself helped transport these wood products using the vehicle the municipal government had assigned to him,” said Ruizo.[]
Ramirez was not immediately available for comments.
Citing the statement of the village chief, Ruizo said the sawn woods were set to be delivered to RNF Summit Woodworking Shop at Barangay San Vicente, also in Makilala town.
Authorities were readying charges of violation of the Forestry Code and the Chainsaw Law against Ramirez, the truck driver and its helper.
Ruizo also said they will file administrative complaints against the village chairman for using a government-owned vehicle in transporting the illegal wood products.
The truck and the timbers were placed under the custody of the Makilala police.
